Month: June 2018

5G to those inexperienced in the technology field refers to fifth generation mobile networks and is essentially a development upon the previous mobile network generation. With that in mind and many new features and benefits promised with the introduction of 5G, it is no surprise that the launch is eagerly anticipated! Therefore this blogpost has been carefully designed to provide you with essential details surrounding 5G, ranging from its release date to how it could benefit you.

When will 5G become available?

The 5G networks are already in the testing phase of their development and it is expected that the earliest 5G ready smartphones could enter the market later in 2018, with 5G becoming more widespread in spring 2019. With that said it could be just 9 months before 5G becomes readily available for you (too long to wait, we know!). The US as a nation is lucky enough to be one of the opening beneficiaries of 5G, alongside other countries such as China, Japan and South Korea- hopefully that makes the long and anxious wait for 5G that little bit easier!

What speeds will 5G offer its users?

Consumers lucky enough to access 5G in the near future will be able to take advantage of significantly increased speeds than those offered by the predecessor 4G. Users currently operating a device equipped with 4G connections can benefit from theoretical network speeds of up to 300Mbps on an advanced 4G LTE Network (is it really that slow?), whereas 5G will provide smartphone users with download speeds potentially over 100 times as fast (we are being serious, I promise!). Such speedy connections will facilitate the connection of multiple Internet of Things solutions such as Smart Receptions and Buildings. For those enjoying leisure and free time, the transition to the 5G Network will also be beneficial for streaming video content- almost eliminating the inconvenient stresses of buffering and lag time.

Broadband Solutions

Tired of unreliable broadband or WiFi connections in your home? Are you forever waiting for files to download or emails to send? You could be in luck, 5G is sure to form a welcome addition into your life! The introduction of 5G into the market is being heavily tipped as an eventual replacement service for your current home internet service- could this be the answer to all your internet speed problems? The honest answer is yes, but you could have to wait a while longer (quite a while longer!) with progress on this development very much in the trial stage, although both AT&T and Verizon having invested heavily into this.

What can 5G achieve?

It is suspected 5G will be pivotal to achieving a wide range of technological enhancements, with uses ranging from practicalities to leisure activities. One leisure activity in particular where 5G can be used to improve the overall user experience is that of Virtual Reality or VR for short. Virtual Reality is a concept that has been developing continually for a number of years, however it is alleged that with the introduction of a 5G network, users of VR will be able to benefit from access to live chats in real worlds- indicating further advancements in VR. On a level of practicality, 5G can be used to enhance the functionality of self-driving cars. Once launched 5G is suspected to speed up the development of self-driving cars, with each vehicle being equipped with sensors- facilitating communication with other vehicles and also the ability to track location. With that said 5G provides the perfect opportunity to avoid that awkward conversation with a taxi driver!

Alter your Data Plan!

Whilst it is apparent 5G will bring a wide range of advantages to those fortunate enough to access it, it will be a heavy form of data consumption (don’t say we didn’t warn you!). It is foreseen that the benefits associated with 5G will mean that the fifth generation of mobile networks will be nothing short of a data guzzler! People who regularly use up or exceed their current data plan, would consume their entire month’s data allowance in under a week, should they use 5G to the same extent and with the same sized data bundle- you have been warned! 5G is incoming, it’s time to start saving!

Upgrade your Phone!

In order to have access to a 5G connection, you will be required to upgrade to a device that is capable of supporting 5G. It is heavily anticipated that most devices launched and available for sale/rental from 2019 will be compatible with 5G, therefore by the time 5G becomes widespread, identifying a device capable of supporting 5G will be straightforward. Whilst having to upgrade to a new device may involve higher financial implications, the benefits of using 5G will definitely make your investment worthwhile- just think of those download speeds!